In many cases, a teen may not necessarily intend to harm themselves. Instead, the action acts as a compulsive behavior to soothe anxiety or provide an endorphin rush similar to drugs and alcohol.

Cutting with sharp objects

Pinching or scratching with fingernails or other objects

Ripping, picking, or tearing the skin – including the face, cuticles, scalp, or chest

Compulsive hair-pulling

Rubbing sharp objects on the skin

Picking scabs or interfering with healing

Carving or burning letters or symbols into the skin

Impact such as punching or bashing objects

Nail biting to the point of bleeding or injury

As you can see, self-harm takes many forms: anything that involves intentional mutilation qualifies as self-harm.

Identifying Self-Harm in Teens

Most parents already know to look out for deliberate self-harm such as cutting with razors or other objects. These parents may write-off chronic hair pulling or cuticle biting as a quirk or compulsive behavior the teen will eventually outgrow.

It's important to take all types of intentional mutilation seriously so a teen can develop self-harm coping skills. Identifying and treating the psychological force behind the self-harm are crucial.

Without taking action, even minor self-harm can manifest into other self-destructive actions such as substance use disorder as well as severe anxiety or depression. Self-harm can also result in scarring, infections, and other unintended consequences.

As mentioned above, a teen may not intend to harm themselves. In these cases, they may pull their hair or pick scabs openly without trying to hide the action.

Look at your teen's behavior objectively.

In other cases, the teen may be ashamed or feel guilty. Here are some warning signs you may want to watch out for:

A recent traumatic event such as a fight or emotional abuse

Injuries they can't or won't explain

Distancing themselves from friends and family members

Withdrawing from social activities

Feelings of guilt and worthlessness

Feelings of anxiousness, stress, or worry

High levels of pressure from school or family responsibilities

Other mental health conditions such as depression, substance use, or anxiety

Drug or alcohol abuse

Sometimes it's normal for teens to withdraw or pull away from previously close relationships with parents. Find an adult they (and you) can trust to engage in supportive conversations about their mental wellbeing, relationships, and activity.

Building Self-Harm Coping Strategies

Building self-harm coping strategies starts with identifying and treating the root cause of the harm: why are they harming themselves in the first place?

From there, teens will learn to understand psychological triggers, their thought process, and how their response to stress eventually translates into physical harm.

Each person is unique. Self-harm help should provide a personalized approach catered to your teen's specific mental health struggle.

The goal of any treatment plan is to address underlying psychological issues and develop healthy self-harm coping skills.

Finding an Alternative to Self-Harm

A big part of building self-harm coping skills is finding an alternative to the self-harm itself.

This is much easier said than done.

Why?

Finding an alternative often results in a person simply replacing one harmful action with another. That's why developing coping skills and understanding the cognitive process is so crucial: to avoid all harmful actions.

Nonetheless, teens still need to find a way to occupy their mind and hands when the urge to self-harm strikes. Here are some healthy alternatives to self-harm:

Re-organizing your room or workplace.

Ripping up pieces of paper or break plastic bottles

Kickboxing and high-impact physical activity

Playing a computer game

Self-pampering such as a bath or massage

Playing with animals

Doing something nice for someone else

Cooking or baking something delicious

Talking to someone you trust

Beginning a task you've been putting off

Blowing up and popping balloons

Self-Harm Help for Teens at San Antonio Behavioral

At San Antonio Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, we provide personalized mental health services for teens in either an inpatient or partial hospitalization setting.

Our programs are designed for adolescents between the ages of 9 and 17 who struggle with mental health conditions such as self-harm, substance abuse, and other psychological disorders.

We provide a structured and safe environment to help teens reduce symptoms by developing healthy self-harm coping skills. If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health issues or in need of learning self-harm coping strategies, contact San Antonio Behavioral Healthcare Hospital today or call at 877-514-0010 or 210-541-5350.

Announcements

SABH is now offering an Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). The Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a day treatment program that serves teens, ages 9-17 years old, who have recently been in an acute setting or those who require structured treatment and psychiatric support.

Our Other Hospitals

Other locations in Arizona, California, Illinois, and Nevada. Other centers of excellence coming soon to other cities located in Texas.